Allegiant Air service coming to Savannah

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) – It's a deal that's been in the works for two years and now it's official. Allegiant Airlines will start flying into Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport.

The low-cost carrier based out of Las Vegas is going to have two non-stop flights a week to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., starting Nov. 18. The flights will leave Savannah on Thursdays and return on Sundays.

One-way introductory fares start at $29 each way and must be purchased by Oct. 5,and is valid for travel through March 8, according to officials from the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport. Regular priced one-way fares will start at $39.99 after the introductory fare period.

Flights will depart Savannah/Hilton Head at 11:05 a.m.arriving in Fort Lauderdale at 12:30 p.m. Flights leaving Fort Lauderdale will depart at 9 a.m. arriving in Savannah/Hilton Head at 10:25 a.m., according to the airport.

Allegiant flies MD-80 jets that hold 150 passengers and it makes most of its money by selling vacation packages.

Savannah airport officials said that in a time when most airlines are cutting flights, this is especially good news.

"[It's] super news for us since it's been so long since we've had something positive to announce to the public. Nine years is a long time not to announce any new air service," said Patrick Graham, executive director of the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport.

Consumers can already get on Allegiant's website and book a ticket.

So what about Jet Blue? Graham said they are close to a deal with Jet Blue, and that the airline has a big bulls eye on Savannah -- so only time will tell if that works out.